Cape Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game Trip Report 18th to 31st August 2014 (14 days)

Cape (male) by Patrick Cardwell

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader: Patrick Cardwell

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 2

Tour Summary

DAY 1: Cape Town to Boulders Beach and Cape of Good Hope National Park Our tour commenced in near perfect weather at the relatively tourist-free southern section of Boulders Coastal Park. This unique reserve, located within an intrusive granite complex of exposed pegmatite boulders, dates back some 200 million years and presents itself as a scenically superb location to view the highly endearing African Penguin. Some 800 pairs nest within the area and the bridle path that traverses across the length of the reserve provides for fantastic close-up viewing and photographic opportunities. Aside from the penguins, the surrounding coastal thicket supports a variety of endemics, making for an engaging and relaxing walk with a mix of trees, shrubs and flowering plants adding interest to the day, not to mention the amusing antics of the highly approachable resident Rock Hyrax community. From here we headed directly to the Cape of Good Hope and the south-western tip of the African continent for sightings of Cape Fur Seal and the chance of botanizing at leisure along the sandy coastal strip of this nutrient-deficient yet surprisingly diverse floral environment, which is home to nearly 2000 plant species. Add views of all three resident sunbirds in the region (Malachite, Southern Double-collared and Orange-breasted), Bokmakierie and good views of Cape Sugarbird on the crowns of flowering pincushions, and you have some idea of the visual delights enjoyed on the day! African Penguins by Adam Riley

Plant highlights of the day: Yellow and Snake-stemmed Pincushions, Babiana ringens, known colloquially as Rat-tail, Marsh Pagoda, and a contrasting display of two species of yellow Moraea (collina and ochrolenca) within a recently burnt section of blackened hillside.

DAY 2: Rooi Els and Harold Porter Botanical Gardens Wet, wild and blustery at best adequately describes the weather pattern that greeted us as we set off for the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens on the far side of False Bay. The temperature throughout the day remained unpleasantly low; effectively ensuring that members of the complex Asteracea family remained tightly closed and making identification of some species difficult at best. Nevertheless, botanising was excellent with several species of Erica and in full bloom. Birding proved extremely challenging with windy conditions playing havoc with sighting possibilities in the more exposed areas of ‘fynbos’. Even so, we had good views of a number of highly localized species on our target list, including a great interactive display of two stunning male Cape in close proximity for a more than adequate amount of viewing time! A pair of Verreaux’s Eagles soaring above us also added to the excitement of the day in spite of the miserable weather.

Plant highlights of the day: Bot River Protea, Prince of Wales and Yellow (Nana) Erica, Tufted Pincushion, Fan Aloe, Protea Nitida (Waboom) in full bloom.

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 3

DAY 3: Cape Town environs to Langebaan Another very wet and windy start to our travel day. Less than ideal for birding and particularly disappointing for flower viewing, given Kirstenbosch as the prime floral site planned for the morning. Needless to say we set off in a positive and enthusiastic frame of mind for the False Bay Environmental Park wetland complex as our first birding destination. Almost as if pre-ordained for our benefit, the skies above cleared on our arrival and we enjoyed excellent sightings of a wide variety of waterbirds before the next wind-driven squall drove us off to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Again, to everyone's surprise and complete amazement, the skies cleared once again on our arrival, and we enjoyed an almost private spell of botanising and birding with the exquisitely laid-out gardens all to ourselves. Good views of nearly all the resident bird species were obtained, including Spotted Eagle-Owl, Sombre Bulbul and Swee Waxbill, topped off by fleeting views of Black and Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawks hunting actively over the forest canopy. Pincushions and in full bloom were in ample evidence and a wide variety of Erica species in flower were a drawcard for Southern Double-collared Sunbird. African Olive Pigeon and large flocks of Red-winged Starlings were in evidence on the upper slopes, along with the regular crowd of Crowned Guineafowl and Cape Spurfowl in constant attendance. No sooner had we completed our intended circuit Southern Black Korhaan by Patrick Cardwell when the heavens opened up once again, driving us up the West Coast as our next destination for the day. On the way we again experienced driving rain, but on arrival in Langebaan the wet weather cleared, ending with sunny skies and a magnificent sunset over the Atlantic Ocean! As to be expected the birding activity was in full swing, with Southern Black Korhaan in vocal and visual evidence, while the cryptically plumaged and normally secretive Grey- winged Francolin covey we were seeking appeared in full view on the roadside. Flowering plants were present in number but not in full bloom due to the low temperature throughout the day. Pelargoniums and a wide variety of typical strandveld plants and shrubs were very much in evidence, making for a comprehensive West Coast experience rounded off by two lark species (Large-billed and xxx) and great views of Red Hartebeest and the diminutive and endearing Steenbok.

Plant highlights for the day: Various pincushion species in full bloom along with stunning examples of the multi-coloured variety of Ericas throughout the gardens

DAY 4: Langebaan and West Coast National Park Another grey morning of wet and cold weather greeted us as we headed into the West Coast Park as our destination for the day. Yet, as so often happens in the Western Cape, the weather suddenly switched into summer and by late morning the scenic environment of the West Coast Park sprang into life. All around bird activity presented itself in abundance with one good sighting being followed by another, including great views of Black Harrier, arguably the most stunning of all the worlds’ harriers, and an Osprey heading inland with a large fish in its talons. It soon became evident that spring was well underway with returning Palaearctic shorebirds well represented, including

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 4

Eurasian Curlew. Other notable sightings in the Park and surrounds were Cardinal Woodpecker, Lesser Honeyguide, Africa Hoopoe, White-throated and Yellow Canary, Black Crake, Antarctic Tern, South African Shelduck and African Marsh Harrier. Mammals were also well represented with Springbuck, Bontebok, Eland and Cape Mountain Zebra in ample evidence, and we also found Angulate Tortoise and Black Girdled Lizard. But it was unequivocally the wild flowers that stole the day, as a wide variety of Asteraceae and Mesembryanthemum species opened up to take advantage of the clear sunny sky following the passing of the cold front. So great was the intricate matrix of flora around us that it was difficult to move about without treading on one flowering plant or another growing in close proximity. Add to this the scenically spectacular views over the lagoon and the Atlantic Coastline from the heights of our picnic lunch stop, and you have some idea of what added up to a near perfect day!

Plant highlights of the day: Babiana ambigua, Romulea eximia, Pelargonium fulgidum and Melianthus elongates.

DAY 5: Langebaan to Niewoudtville Heavy rains along the Cedarberg Mountain range called for a routing re-think and we headed north along the coast road instead before turning inland to Vanrhynsdorp, the picturesque gateway town to Namaqualand – a globally recognized biome of great floral diversity. All along the coastal strip flowers across the spectrum of colourful expectation were in full bloom by midday. Mesembryanthemum and Asteraceae family members once again dominated the floral scene as we made our way steadily up to Lamberts Bay for the day’s birding highlight: the spectacle of hundreds of Cape Gannets settling into Bird Island for the start of the breeding season. Close-up views of courtship displays, nest building and the constant coming and going of raucous gannets, along with good sightings of nesting Cape Cormorants and roosting Swift Terns, provided excellent photographic opportunities in perfect light. Turning inland after an excellent ‘fish and chips’ lunch on the wharf we then headed off for the distant Roggeveld Mountains flanking the eastern edge of Namaqualand. Good rains during the weeks preceding our visit had Eland by Patrick Cardwell ‘greened up’ the surrounding countryside appreciably, and botanically we were not disappointed as the profusion of wild flowers on our way to Van Rhyn's Pass increased progressively in colour and visual intensity. On reaching the narrow band of 'fynbos' at the crest of the Pass we were struck by the noticeable transformation of semi-arid shrubland to pristine 'fynbos' surrounding the sleepy hamlet of Nieuwoudville, the recognised ‘capital of the bulb world’ in South Africa! Scanning the open fields produced views of Ludwig’s Bustards and Blue Cranes in abundance, with several cranes engaged in interactive courtship displays, along with sightings of Booted Eagle and Layard's Warbler. That evening we enjoyed a superbly presented ‘farmhouse’ meal specially prepared in the rural tradition of this delightful community of farming folk.

Plant highlights of the day: Didelta spinosa and a wide variety of Asteraceae, Iridaceae, Hyacinthacea, Ashodelaceae , Mesembryanthemaceae and Oxalidacea varieties in profusion.

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 5

DAY 6: Nieuwoudville Sunny skies and a noon temperature above 20C made for the perfect wildflower day, starting in the vicinity of the spectacular waterfall that has systematically cut its way through the underlying sandstone over geological time. A dark phase Booted Eagle provided stunning views as it circled above us with its 'landing lights' clearly visible to all. However, it was the wild flowers we were after today and not the , with stands of bright yellow Bulbinella nutans in highly conspicuous evidence throughout the town and surrounding farmland. Good rains during the past two weeks ensured excellent sightings of geophytes associated with the variation of soil types, ranging from sand to clay and dolerite, each providing a visually delightful suite of Bulbinellas, Moreas, Lachenalias, Laperosas, Gladiolus, Cotyledon, Nemisa and Romulea species, while the surrounding farmlands provided displays of vibrant colour, as the incredibly diverse Asteraceae family responded to the steadily rising ambient temperature. After another farm-style meal in the Nieuwoudville tradition we followed a well-marked self-drive flower trail to enjoy the unfolding floral spectacle around us, free of crowd interference and rich in mind-boggling photographic opportunity to take us through to the Mountain Wheatear by Glen Valentine end of the day!

Plant highlights of the day: Gladiolus watermeyerii and Ferraria divaricata

DAY 7: Nieuwoudville to Springbok After successfully searching the waterfall area for African Black Duck, under constant surveillance of a highly endearing Cape Rock Elephant Shrew, we set off down the scenically impressive Van Rhyn’s Pass for the quartz-strewn gravel plains of the Knersvlakte – so-named by the early Dutch trekkers for the grinding sound as the iron-rimmed wagon wheels crunched their way across the botanical wonderland of succulent diversity. Our stop at one of the richest and most diverse parts of this fascinating biome near Douse-the-Glim delivered excellent sightings of Argyroderma, Oophytum, Conophytum and Dactylopsis species, with some still in flower before drawing down their nutrients following the winter rains to see them through the hot and desperately dry summer months. From here we journeyed north to the fascinating central Namaqualand flower region comprising a mix of towering intrusive granite outcrops, dramatically exposed by erosion over time, and intersected by a capillary system of non-perennial drainage lines. Patches of mixed Asteraceae species in a variety of vibrant colour tones were simply stunning in the afternoon light, further complemented by captivating roadside displays in and around the town of Springbok. Later that afternoon we enjoyed excellent views of several Ludwig's Bustards in the Goegaap Nature Reserve along with sightings of Pale-winged Starling, Layard's Warbler, Mountain and Capped Wheatears, as well as Black-headed Canary and Black-eared Sparrow-Lark on the drive through this floral wonderland. On the mammal front, we also managed sightings of Southern Oryx (Gemsbok) and Klipspringer.

Plant highlights of the day: Stunning afternoon shows in a profusion of vibrant colour

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 6

DAY 8: Springbok to Augrabies Falls National Park Our day got off to an excellent mammal start with great views of a Smith's Rock Rabbit during a pre-breakfast birding walk on a hill directly behind our lodgings for the night. Mid-morning saw us back in the Goegap Nature Reserve savouring the varied flower displays in great photographic morning light. Aptly referred to as ‘God's own Garden’, this scenically engaging floral reserve of varied contrasts is a ‘must do’ in Spring. After finally tearing ourselves away from the unfolding visual spectacle around us, we set off for the Koa River valley in search of localised lark species and other semi-arid desert birds and plants resident within this vast expanse of apparent nothingness. We were not to be disappointed with good views of Spike-heeled Lark and the nondescript Lark- like Bunting in profusion, as well as several active Sociable Weaver nests on roadside telegraph poles. Our picnic lunch stop delivered good views of the dusky Karoo and the western race of Black-throated Canary. From here it was on to Augrabies Falls, stopping for Aloe claviflora in flower and the medicinally significant Hoodia gordonii, as well as pink Hermannia grandiflora along the way. A walk to the falls delivered African Reed Warbler, Orange River White-eye and a highly vocal Dusky Sunbird in full breeding plumage – another great day in spite of the Double-banded Courser by Patrick distance involved. Cardwell

Plant highlights of the day: Aloe claviflora

DAY 9: Augrabies National Park to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park A red-letter day as far as birding was concerned, starting with an out-of-range sighting of a highly colourful Crested Barbet churring contentedly away in the campsite. Other notables ahead of breakfast included Brubru, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, African Pied Wagtail, Pririt Batis and Dusky Sunbird. From here our routing via Upington took us to the rolling red dune country of the expansive Kalahari Desert. This bird-rich biome delivered sighting after sighting as we steadily notched up an impressive list of species by the time we reached the park entrance at Twee Rivieren – our overnight stop in the park’s southern sector. Included in this suit of species were Double- banded Courser, the stunning Crimson-breasted Shrike, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill and Scaly- feathered Weaver. Aside from the birdlife we also enjoyed good views of Vervet Monkey and the highly endearing South African Ground Squirrel sporting about in playful mode, as well as Bibron’s Thick-toed Gecko

Plant highlights of the day: Chinese Lantern Bush

DAY 10: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Our full day in the park got off to a scintillating start with no less than 9 raptor sightings before breakfast! These ranged from the diminutive Pygmy Falcon to a pair of massive adult Martial Eagles. Add to this an adult Black Harrier preening itself on open ground, offering unobstructed photographic views, and you can appreciate what the early morning excitement was all about! were well represented as well and in one viewing opportunity of a fairly extended nature we had Violet-eared and Black-cheeked Waxbills and Green-backed Pytilia all feeding together in

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 7 close proximity. Weather throughout the day was fine with lots of plains game in evidence and a good view of a single Cheetah on station at its chosen observation point, on the top of a Kalahari sand dune overlooking the fossilised Nossob River bed. Perhaps the most engaging encounter was spending time with a hundred or so Sociable Weavers actively engaged in a nest restoration programme. Conversation within the flock was continuous as the birds interacted with one another in a manner that can only be described as joyous! A quite delightful interlude along with the endearing antics of a pair of ever-so-chatty White-browed Sparrow-Weavers sharing the same enormous Camel Thorn. Further sightings of Crimson-breasted Shrike also helped add to the allure. Our night drive starting at dusk then delivered excellent views of the kangaroo-like Springhare bouncing about and a family of Bat-eared Fox in search of emerging termites, their staple diet, as well as an extremely accommodating Cape Fox in close proximity to bring an active day to a satisfying close.

Plant highlights of the day: Camel Thorn supporting an enormous Sociable Weaver nest.

DAY 11: Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to Calvinia Another great day under cloudless skies kicked off with excellent views of Pearl-spotted Owlet in the rest camp, before birding our way steadily along the Nossob River to its junction with the well- wooded Molopo River. On the way we added another out-of-range species in the form of Pied Babbler, followed by superb views of three Common Scimitarbills interacting with each other. This led to another out-of-range species, a pair of Marico Sunbirds in an aloe patch adjacent to a coffee shop at Askham. Add to this Fawn-coloured Lark, Martial Eagle, Black-eared Sparrow- lark, Crimson-breasted Shrike and a Yellow-billed Kite on our return run to Upington. Once we crossed the Orange River, picking up an African Pied Wagtail as we did so, the wind from the west started to pick up, and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater by Patrick Cardwell by mid-afternoon it was blowing a gale and the ambient temperature began to plummet. By the time we reached Calvinia it was even starting to snow with a minus degree temperature forecast for the next morning! Needless to say, birds were conspicuous by their absence all the way down to Calvinia.

Plant highlights of the day: Shepherds Bush Tree

DAY 12: Calvinia and surrounds A sub-zero ambient temperature with snow on the mountains above us kept us within the vehicle as we set off in search of chats and larks. Our main objective was Red Lark to the north of the town and, in this regard, we were not to be disappointed, with everyone enjoying sustained views of an accommodating bird in excellent light. A pair of Karoo Long-billed Larks along with Red-capped and Spike-heeled Larks added to the suite of larks for the day. Chats were well represented as well, with Sickle-winged and Tractrac Chats and the floppy Chat Flycatcher being added to the list, along with a throng of typical Karoo birds of which Lark-like Bunting were the most abundant. A further

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 8 highlight was a family of Karoo Korhaans alongside the road, providing superb views of this often difficult to locate resident of the arid plains. Calvinia’s Akkerdam Nature Reserve had received very little rain this year compared to previous years and the town of Nieuwoudville close by to the west. As a result, wild flowers were far from evident due to the dry conditions prevailing in the reserve. Springbok however were well represented and provided engaging views as they ‘pronked’ about us in playful mode in the soft evening light.

Plant highlights of the day: Aloe variegata in flower

DAY 13: Calvinia to Ceres. With snow still evident on the slopes of the Hantam Mountains and a strong katabatic wind chasing us along from the north, we spiralled our way down the dusty Roggeveld Pass to the lunar landscape of the Tankwa Karoo. This seemingly desolated area, even in times of drought such as this year, supports an incredible variety of plants, reptiles, mammals and birds. As a result we savoured the scenically spectacular surroundings of dolorite-capped mountains and the network of sweet thorn-choked drainage lines winding their way across this vast plain lying in the rain shadow of Aloe variegata by Patrick Cardwell the rugged Cedarberg Mountains to the west. Larks were high on the list of sightings, following a windy spell of botanising along the southern slopes of the Roggeveld Escarpment, with Large-billed Lark, Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark, and Karoo Lark being added to our trip list. Views of Booted Eagle, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Lanner Falcon and Greater and Common Kestrel, followed by Fairy Flycatcher, Rufous-eared Warbler and Namaqua Prinia, rounded off the list of highly desirable sightings for the day. Chats, as to be expected, were fully represented in the form of Tractrac, Sickle-winged, Karoo, Familiar and Ant-eating, along with Mountain Wheatear and the enigmatic Chat Flycatcher. Botanising was patchy however due to the dry conditions, with Euphorbiaceae and Asteraceae family members in flower here and there along the roadside. On the final leg to Ceres over the scenically impressive Theronsberg Pass we then added Protea laurifolia and Protea nitida to the flower list, as well as Grey Rhebok as a new mammal sighting, before descending to our accommodation in the town for the night

Plant highlights of the day: Gazania lichtensteinii

DAY 14: Ceres to Cape Town Our route back to Cape Town followed the old wagon track of yesteryear through Mitchell’s Pass, stopping briefly for Cape Rock Thrush and Greater Striped Swallow, before continuing up and over Bain’s Kloof to the scenic winelands around Paarl, and then on to Cape Town International airport in good time for those on a flight out.

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 9

SUMMARY All in all this was a wildlife and botanical tour of many memorable sightings within one of the most scenic parts of South Africa. Weather aside, this was also the very best time of year to experience this magnificent region, with wild flowers in abundance and 232 bird species and 30 mammal species providing a medley of other experiences across a broad spectrum of habitat types, which represent the essence of this unique and very special nature-tour itinerary.

Bird, Mammal, Reptile & Plant Checklists

List of Birds recorded

Nomenclature and follows the IOC List of Please cite: Gill, F. and M. Wright. 2006. Birds of the World: Recommended English Names, version 2.5, Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press.

Total species recorded: 232

Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich Struthio camelus NOTE: IOC now considers Common Ostrich and Somali Ostrich S. molybdophanes of dry East Africa, two distinct species.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris

Pheasants, Fowl & Allies Phasianidae Grey-winged Francolin Scleroptila afra Cape Spurfowl (Francolin) Pternistis capensis Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

Ducks & Geese Anatidae Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca South African Shelduck Tadorna cana Cape Teal Anas capensis African Black Duck Anas sparsa Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata Cape Shoveler Anas smithii Red-billed Teal (Duck) Anas erythrorhyncha Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa

Penguins Spheniscidae African Penguin Spheniscus demersus

Grebes Podicipedidae

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 10

Little Grebe (Dabchick) Tachybaptus ruficollis Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Black-necked (Eared) Grebe Podiceps nigricollis NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Eared Grebe.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor

Ibises & Spoonbills Threskiornithidae African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus African Spoonbill Platalea alba

Bitterns & Herons Ardeidae Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis NOTE: The IOC splits Cattle Egret into 2 species, the nominate form Western Cattle Egret and the Asian/Australasian Eastern Cattle Egret E. coromanda. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus

Gannets & Boobies Sulidae Cape Gannet Morus capensis

Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae Reed (Long-tailed) Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Long-tailed Cormorant. Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis

Anhingas Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga melanogaster Secretarybird Sagittaridae Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius

Ospreys Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Kites, Hawks, Eagles & Vultures Accipitridae Black-winged (shouldered) Kite Elanus caeruleus NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Black-shouldered Kite. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius NOTE: This species has recently been split from the Palaearctic migrant Black Kite Milvus migrans.

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 11

African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk Accipiter rufiventris Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus Black Harrier Circus maurus African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Melierax. Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax NOTE: The nominate form African Tawny Eagle A. r. rapax may be split from the Asian Tawny Eagle A. r. vindhiana, although this is not done by IOC nor Clements. Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus

Falcons & Kestrels Falconidae Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus Rock (Common) Kestrel Falco rupicolus NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Eurasian Kestrel F. tinnunculus. The IOC splits Rock Kestrel F. rupicolus, which was the taxa we observed. Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Bustards Otididae Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista Southern Black Korhaan Afrotis afra Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides

Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata

Cranes Gruidae Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus

Thick-knees & Stone-Curlews Burhinidae Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus

Oystercatchers Haematopodidae African Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 12

Stilts & Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Plovers & Lapwings Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus armatus Grey (Black-bellied) Plover Pluvialis squatarola Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus

Sandpipers, Snipes Scolopacidae Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Sanderling Calidris alba Ruff Philomachus pugnax Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Coursers & Pratincoles Glareolidae Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus

Gulls, Terns, Skimmers Laridae Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus NOTE: Recent work suggests that the Kelp Gull complex L. dominicanus may be split into as many as four species. The African form we observed has been proposed as Cape Gull L. vetula, although this is not accepted by IOC. Hartlaub's Gull Larus hartlaubii Grey-headed(hooded) Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Swift (Great Crested) Tern Sterna bergii NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Thalasseus. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Little Tern Sternula albifrons Antarctic Tern Sterna vittata

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua Burchell’s Sandgrouse Pterocles burchelli

Doves & Pigeons Columbidae Rock (Common) Pigeon Columba livia Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Namaqua Dove Oena capensis

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 13

Typical Owls Strigidae Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum

Swifts Apodidae African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Little Swift Apus affinis White-rumped Swift Apus caffer

Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus White-backed Mousebird Colius colius

Rollers Coraciidae Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Bee-eaters Meropidae Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus

Hoopoes Upupidae African (Eurasian) Hoopoe Upupa africana NOTE: The Hoopoe complex has had a confusing taxonomic history, with one to four species being recognized by various authorities. Clements splits the group into two forms, Madagascar U. marginalis and Eurasian U. epops. The white-winged African forms are often split by other authorities as West African Hoopoe U. senegalensis with the fourth species being African Hoopoe U. africana (which we recorded). However, the most generally accepted treatment is that of three species, Madagascar, Eurasian and African.

Woodhoopoes Phoeniculidae Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas

Hornbills Bucerotidae African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas

Barbets Capitonidae Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor

Woodpeckers & Allies Picidae Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni

Wattle-eyes & Batises Platysteiridae Cape Batis Batis capensis Pririt Batis Batis pririt

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 14

Bush-shrikes & Allies Malaconotidae Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Crimson-breasted Gonolek. Brubru Nilaus afer NOTE: This previously monotypic genus might be split 4 ways: Northern Brubru N. afer, Black-browed Brubru N. nigritemporalis, Angola Brubru N. affinis and Southern Brubru N. brubru. Only the Southern Brubru occurs in southern Africa. IOC does not accept these splits.

Shrikes Laniidae Southern (Common) Fiscal Lanius collaris

Drongos Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis

Crows Corvidae House Crow Corvus splendens Cape Crow Corvus capensis Pied Crow Corvus albus White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis

Rockjumpers Chaetopidae Cape Rockjumper Chaetops frenatus

Fairy Flycatchers Stenostiridae Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita

Tits Paridae Grey Tit Parus afer

Larks Alaudidae Fawn-coloured Lark Calendulauda africanoides Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata Karoo Lark Certhilauda albescens Red Lark Certhilauda burra Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris Black-eared Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix australis Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix verticalis

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus

Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae Brown-throated (Plain) Martin Riparia paludicola NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Plain Martin.

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 15

Banded Martin Riparia cincta White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiate Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula NOTE: This confusing polytypic complex is being reviewed for multi-species splitting. Within African populations, 3 potential species exist. The southern African nominate form H. f. fuligula remains Rock Martin, northern populations would become Red-throated Rock Martin H. pusilla. Palaearctic birds become Pale Crag Martin H. obsoleta. Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata

Crombecs, African Warblers Macrosphenidae Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer Long-billed (Cape) Crombec Sylvietta rufescens NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Cape Crombec.

Reed Warblers & Allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus

Grassbirds & Allies Megaluridae Little Rush (African Bush) Warbler Bradypterus baboecala

Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla Levaillant’s Cisticola Cisticola tinniens Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa Namaqua Warbler (Prinia) Phragmacia substriata Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis

Babblers & Parrotbills Timaliidae Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor

Sylviid Babblers Sylvidae Chestnut(Rufous)-vented Warbler Parisoma subcaeruleum NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Rufous-vented Warbler. Layard’s Warbler Parisoma layardi

White-eyes Zosteropidae Cape White-eye Zosterops capensis Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus

Sugarbirds Promeropidae Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer

Starlings Sturnidae Common (European) Starling Sturnus vulgaris Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea Cape (Glossy) Starling Lamprotornis nitens NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Cape Glossy-Starling.

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 16

(African) Pied Starling Spreo bicolour Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup

Thrushes Turdidae Groundscraper Thrush Psophocichla litsipsirupa NOTE: Ethiopian Thrush P. l. simensis is considered a distinct species by several authorities. Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus Karoo Thrush Turdus smithii

Chats & Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra Karoo Scrub Robin Cercotrichas coryphaeus African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus NOTE: Clements recognizes the split of African S. torquatus and Common S. rubicola Stonechats (the latter a Palaearctic species), which is not followed by all authorities. Further splitting may occur in both groups including the highland Ethiopian form S. t. albofasciata that may become Ethiopian Stonechat. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac Sickle-wing[ed] Chat Emarginata sinuata Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris Ant-eating (Southern Anteater) Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Southern Anteater-Chat. Cape Rock Thrush Monticola rupestris Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta

Sunbirds Nectariniidae Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybeus Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fusca

Old World Sparrows Passeridae White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Social Weaver. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus NOTE: The Grey-headed Sparrow complex P. griseus has been split into five full species with the most southerly African form being classified as P. diffusus.

Weavers & Widowbirds Ploceidae Scaly-feathered Weaver (Finch) Sporopipes squamifrons NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Scaly Weaver.

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 17

Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Red Bishop. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis

Waxbills & Allies Estrildidae Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus Swee Waxbill Estrilda melanotis Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Black-faced (Cheeked) Waxbill Estrilda erythronotus Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura

Wagtails & Pipits Motacillidae Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis

Finches Fringillidae Black-throated Canary Crithagra artogularis Cape Canary Serinus canicollis Seen on a number of days during the tour. Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus to the IOC nomenclature, namely: Serinus. Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphurata White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus to the IOC nomenclature, namely: Serinus. Cape Canary Serinus canicollis Black-headed Canary Serinus alario

Buntings Emberizidae Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis

Annotated List of Mammals recorded

Names and taxonomical order of the mammals follow 2007 edition of “Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa” by Chris and Tilde Stuart; additional names are given in parenthesis and are likely to appear other popular field guides.

Total species recorded: 30

Squirrels Sciuridae South African Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 18

Springhare Pedetidae Springhare Pedetes capensis

Elephant-shrews Macroscelidae Cape Rock Elephant Shrew Elephantulus myurus

Hyraxes Procavidae Rock Hyrax (Dassie) Procavia capensis

Baboons & Monkeys Cercopithecidae Savanna (Chacma) Baboon Papio cynocephalus ursinus Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops

Hares & Rabbits Leporidae Scrub Hare Lepus saxitilis Smith’s Red Rock Rabbit Pronolagus rupestris

Rats & Mice Muridae Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio Brants’s Whistling Rat Parotomys brantsii

Dogs & Allies Canidae Cape Fox Vulpes chama Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas

Mongooses Herpestidae Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguinea Small Grey Mongoose Galerella pulverulenta Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata Meerkat (Suricate) Suricata suricatta

Cats Felidae Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus

Horses Equidae Cape Mountain Zebra Equus zebra zebra

Bovids & Horned Ungulates Bovidae Common Eland Taurotragus oryx Grey Rhebok Pelea capreolus Gemsbok Oryx gazelle Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus Red Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus Bontebok Damaliscus dorcas dorcas Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis Steenbok Raphicerus campestris

Trip Report - RBT Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game 2014 19

Pleated Whales Balaenopteridae Southern Right Whale Lissodelphis peronii

Seals Otariidae Cape Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus

Annotated List of Reptiles recorded

Note: Names and taxonomical order of the reptiles follow that of “A Guide to the reptiles of Southern Africa” by Graham Alexander and Johan Marais.

Total species recorded: 4

Land Tortoises Testudinidae Angulate Tortoise Chersina angulate

Girdled Lizards & Relatives Cordylidae Black Girdled Lizard Cordylus niger

Geckos Gekkonidae Bibron’s Thick-toed Gecko Pachydactylus bibronii

Agamas Agamidae Southern Spiny Agama Agama hispida

Rockjumper Birding Tours CC Worldwide Birding Adventures Registration number 2001/059480/23 PO Box 13972, Cascades, 3202, South Africa Tel: +27 33 394 0225 Fax: +27 88 033 394 0225 Email: [email protected] Alternative Email: [email protected] Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com